It is not always easy to know how to make your garden more sustainable but with some creative thinking, it is probably easier than you think. Here are some fantastic tips to make your outside space more environmentally responsible:Avoid chemicals - Avoid chemical pesticides, as these can be harmful for your local ecology. They reduce diversity and ecosystems. Instead of chemicals, use biological pesticides that won’t affect plants and insects that aren’t your intended target. Sure, you may want bugs to stop eating your vegetables, but don’t risk damaging everything else in the garden. Here are some tips to tackle pests naturally.Collect rainwater – If you live in a particularly dry area, you may suffer from droughts. We all need to be water conscious and be aware of how much we are taking from the public supply. Installing a barrel into your garden is a great way to collect rainwater that you can use to water your lawn and plants.Ditch the lawnmower – If you use a gas-powered lawnmower you are emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. A way to avoid this is to use a manual mower, which is admittedly more difficult, and time consuming, but it is great exercise. Another option is to let your lawn grow wild - consider cultivating a meadow, which requires little maintenance and is beautifully natural. Click here for some tips on creating a wildflower meadow.Think about your lighting – Think about how your garden lighting is powered. Many of us want our outside spaces illuminated at night so we can enjoy an evening in the open-air. However, it is important to consider the carbon usage of standard lighting. Use solar-powered lighting instead.Use lime mortar – If you are building or constructing anything in your garden, think about the cement you use. Traditional cement is not easily recyclable but lime mortar, on the other hand, is. This means that future generations will benefit from being able to recycle materials instead of it ending up in landfill.Use compost – Compost is a life-giver to any garden. Establish a compost heap or bin in your garden to store your organic household waste. It will decompose in the bin and in the process release a myriad of nutrients that plants and flowers love. Once it is fully decomposed, use it on your soil near your plants. It will help everything in your garden grow, and in a purely natural way. It is the best source for feeding your garden.